in the future - u will be able to do some more stuff here,,,!! like pat catgirl- i mean um yeah... for now u can only see others's posts :c
WHO WERE YOU ASSESSED BY?
It's tricky to know who's best to get an ADHD assessment from.
It sounds simple to see your GP or drop into a clinic of Nurse Practitioners. Your GP is typically your first door to knock on. They're the ones who prescribe stimulant medication.
But meds aren't always the answer. Stimulants won't "fix" ADHD. They're mostly known for reducing the busy thoughts in the brain. But you still have executive function and emotional regulation challenges.
So what do you do about those?
Well, neuro psychologists have a big tool in their toolbox. They can do a psycho-educational for ADHD that costs around $3500 CDN. But what if you don't have a learning disability? Or you're not wanting accommodations for school or work?
I find (and so has the research) that what most people need is to know more about themselves and how ADHD is affecting their lives, which means you can look for a shorter (yet thorough) assessment from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Regardless of the option you choose, we do recommend finding a practitioner who specializes in ADHD.
6 - 0
It's been a year of developing an ADHD calculation engine! Yes, we've been expanding into the ADHD assessment space.
When we started, it was ADHD coaching programs for adults and we've put 200+ people through those programs.
But physicians and psychologists need help assessing ADHD too. I think we can reduce the 8 to 14-month wait and keep the results high quality by using technology.
Soon we'll be opening the doors for adults to begin their assessment with our Hyperfocus tool.
It's a pretty bold plan and I think we can be known for ADHD assessment and treatment.
8 - 0
ADHD wasn't the only issue. So was acne, diabetes, and cosmetic surgery.
Getting stuff from social media involves a tradeoff between the dopamine-hit, feeling validated and ...its quality.
It sucks finding out that "52% of the TikTok videos were misleading" and only "21% were deemed helpful". Many attributed "mood and anxiety issues, anger, rapidly shifting moods, dissociation, and relationship issues" to ADHD. Not everything can be linked to ADHD... that would be an oversimplification.
We get that they can be so fun and entertaining. Which you can tell based on the number of views these videos got. Remember, TikTok is driven by popularity, not accuracy. Plus, the more we hear misinformation over and over, the more it sticks in our heads.
And this won't help us in the long run.
(Public Service Announcement finished :)
7 - 0
"I hate cleaning"? (yeah we do too)
But you do deserve to live in a clean space. So here's a little trick to get it from wandering through your mind to a small step to actually cleaning.
Of course, we have to watch out for being so overly "positive" that it becomes fake or fantasy. But an adjustment to our language can go a long ways.
When you catch yourself saying "I hate cleaning", build up that reaction to "I deserve to live in a clean space." This can momentarily relieve the stress of it. And before you let that fleeting moment pass, open your planner and schedule 15 mins for cleaning.
Try not to get excited and overestimate how much time you're going to clean for. Just keep it short and simple for now. Putting one box away is enough. Sweeping one room is enough. Pick one cleaning task for the 15 mins.
Give it a try!
15 - 0
Let's talk about the relationships in your life. Are you constantly saying yes, even when you don't have the capacity? Or finding yourself emotionally drained from oversharing?
These could be signs that you need to work on your boundaries.
Setting boundaries can be difficult for anyone, but those with ADHD may find it particularly challenging due to impulsivity or difficulties with self-regulation.
This can lead to frustration and conflict in their relationships.
Here's two ideas from Dr. Claire:
1) Setting clear boundaries is crucial for both people in the relationship. Be curious about how to stay connected while also protecting your own needs. It's a delicate dance. ๐ #ADHD #relationships #boundaries
2) Start learning to say NO appropriately. It's okay to prioritize yourself and your needs. Remember, when you say no, it allows you to say YES to the things that truly matter. #ADHD #selfcare #boundaries
Are boundaries a relatively new topic in your relationships?
13 - 0
Procrastination is seen as a negative behaviour ...BUT... people with ADHD get something positive from it.
And there's the catch!
We use the last minute, 11th-hour urgency to trigger our need for adrenaline. "I can pull this off!" "I'll work all night to finish it!" It's the dopamine hit we seek to get things done.
And when I ask our Bosses, "do you think you did your best work?", they agree that they could've done a better job. If only they gave themselves more time.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ถ๐: Setting yourself up to do your best work WHILE still using dopamine to motivate yourself.
Because the tasks you DON'T want to do are still going to be a pain to get started and finish them. There are ways to reduce the feeling of overwhelm and relying on adrenaline to finish in the last minute. Or worse... late.
Just remember that if you notice yourself procrastinating and hoping the dopamine kicks in, then you're in a vicious loop and you'll want to look at ways to get out of this habit.
11 - 4
Yes, adults living in Africa are diagnosed with ADHD. However, some are receiving harsh, uncompassionate advice.
For instance, "Since you're on meds, you can do anything that a neurotypical person can and don't have an excuse."
Of course, we know this isn't true. Meds do help but they don't fix everything. Our mantra: skills over pills. ๐
This Africa conversation started because a person from Africa (Namibia actually) found us on YouTube. That's pretty wild in itself. But she didn't stop there. She signed up to join our current cohort!! Whoo hoo! We are excited to have her be part of the group. ๐ณ๐ฆ
My hope is, after the group is finished, that she can bring back the empowering ideas and non-shaming thinking to her home country and, perhaps, the therapist above. 8/
Last year we were grateful to have several people from the UK attend. ADHD For Life is growing and continuing to reach people in more countries. We're thankful for your shares and referrals. This is big world we live in and you probably know someone who has ADHD.
Take care.
adhdforlife.com/
#adhdnamibia #adhd_africa
15 - 2
๐ Ready for the ultimate comeback? ๐
Hey ADHD warriors, let's talk about finding solace in the predictable, like rewatching Terminator for the millionth time โ a tradition close to our hearts. ๐ฌโค๏ธ
Much like those iconic "I'll be back" moments, our Getting It Done with ADHD program is your haven of predictability, a safe space in the whirlwind of ADHD challenges. ๐ช๏ธโจ
Imagine a place where you can navigate the twists and turns with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect. That's what our program is all about โ a community that understands the power of routine and the comfort of familiarity.
When you've been through the program once, twice, or even thrice, you become part of a tribe that thrives on the joy of repetitive victories. Each session is a chance to build on your successes, to embrace the journey with a sense of assurance that "I'll be back" is not just a Terminator catchphrase; it's a promise of resilience in the face of ADHD challenges. ๐ช
Our upcoming session, starting on January 30th, is your invitation to step into this haven of predictability. Picture Tuesdays and Fridays at 12 pm as your dedicated time to conquer challenges alongside a community that understands your journey intimately.
Sign up now, and let's make this session a predictable triumph for you โ a space where victories are not just expected, but celebrated with the roar of a supportive community behind you. ๐โจ
Join us on this journey where the predictability of success is the most reassuring soundtrack. ๐๐ adhdforlife.com/getting-it-done-with-adhd
#ADHDJourney #PredictableTriumphs #GettingItDone #SafeSpace #TerminatorVibes
7 - 2
I came across this website and instantly had that cringy feeling. Itโs got that 80โs vibe to it but the scariest part was the promise to โheal ADHDโ. ๐
We, at ADHD For Life Headquarters, haha, try to do the right thing by telling people that it's with you. ADHD is always on (like that annoying younger brother you canโt leave at home). So when we see something like this, my warning bells go off.
Take this as a heads up, as public service announcement, or simply good advice. If you come across a website promising to heal ADHDโฆ. click away!
It might feel enticing. It might be written very persuasively. It might even be sponsored by a psychiatrist, like this one.
Trust meโฆ if the research confirms a way to heal ADHD (whatever that actually means), Dr. Claire wouldโve read about it ๐๐ and you wouldโve heard it here. ๐
P.S. I am not giving out this website, even if you say you're just curious.
I just can't spread this stuff.
9 - 0
You may have felt the hidden costs from ADHD several times through your life. But instead of dredging up the past (there will be time to tell those stories), I'm curious on where you think you're at lately. Where do you feel you're at? More on the STUCK side or more on the IMPROVING side. Comment below on a scale of 1 to 5 on where you're at.
11 - 5
ADHD can affect our lives... in ways we don't often recognize. Compulsive shopping. Missing deadlines. Leaving the Christmas ornaments up until February. Hurt feelings in relationships. If you feel like you're too much, but not enough at the same time, we get you!
Our Goal For You... is to live better with ADHD.
Now, see the stories behind the people and experts who have refused to let ADHD slow them down. From expert advice to a community of like-minded adults, we show the very real challenges from attention deficit disorder (ADD or ADHD) and related mental health conditions. We're also going to have some fun along the way.
We encourage discussion and learning from each other done in a respectful way.
This channel was created by a PhD psychologist, Dr. Claire Sira, and serial entrepreneur, Tom Hudock, who both specialize in ADHD.